Blackhawks craft stunning franchise comeback

May 13, 2009|By Dan McGrath Tribune reporter

The conference finals are next, against the winner of the Anaheim-Detroit semifinal, with the winner of that series moving on to play the Eastern Conference survivor for the Stanley Cup, hockey's Holy Grail. It has been missing from Chicago since 1961, and it would be an upset of startling proportions if it showed up this year.

No one is counting on it, but ...

"There's a lot to be said for youthful exuberance," Tallon said. "These kids won't be intimidated."

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Building a contender: The rise of the Blackhawks

Thanks to shrewd moves Rocky Wirtz has overseen since succeeding his late father as Blackhawks chairman, the team has staged a remarkable comeback.

Oct. 5, 2007: Rocky Wirtz becomes Blackhawks chairman.

Oct 22: Wirtz announces plans to televise home games.

Nov. 20: Wirtz hires John McDonough away from the Cubs to take over as team president.

Dec. 19: McDonough names former stars Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita as official team ambassadors. Later adds Tony Esposito.

April 1, 2008: Hawks announce that all 82 regular-season games will be on TV--in high-def--for 2008-09.

June 12: No. 1 overall draft pick Patrick Kane is named rookie of the year.

June 16: Pat Foley returns as team's TV play-by-play man.

July 1: In two free-agent deals worth a total of $79.1 million, the Hawks sign defenseman Brian Campbell and goalie Cristobal Huet.

July 18: At inaugural Blackhawks Convention, Jonathan Toews is named captain.

July 22: Announce that on New Year's Day, they'll play outdoors in Winter Classic vs. Red Wings at Wrigley Field.